Apaayavide Eccharike Movie Review: A Thrilling Ride of Fear and Fun

The number of movies with a suspenseful horror thriller story in Kannada has been decreasing lately. But earlier this year, Sharan’s Chhoo Mantar entertained audiences with its unique blend of humor and horror. Now, Apaayavide Eccharike, released on February 28, 2025, attempts to strike a similar balance.

Three students, Suri (Vikas Uttaiah), Petge (Raghav Kodachadri), and Gaabri (Mithun Thirthahalli), are struggling to pass their degree exams. With no proper income and an irresponsible attitude, they live recklessly, spending whatever little money they get on drinking. Their only desire is to earn quick money, but they are neither willing to study nor work hard. Their search for wealth leads them to a mysterious fort and a deep forest, where unexpected events unfold. Director Abhijit Thirthahalli narrates their adventure with a mix of humor, horror, and thrilling elements, ensuring a captivating experience.

Since the director hails from Thirthahalli, he has rooted the movie in the region’s landscapes, making it relatable to the local audience. The entire film was shot in and around Kavaledurga Fort, adding authenticity to the setting. While the first half takes time to establish the characters and their carefree life, the second half is where the real action begins. The movie introduces a supernatural horror twist, focusing on the consequences of exploiting forest resources. It also intertwines voodoo elements with a thrilling whodunit angle, making the latter half far more engaging than the slow-paced beginning.

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While the film’s setting and horror elements are commendable, the writing could have been sharper. The story has moments of brilliance but lacks consistency. Some unnecessary scenes in the first half could have been trimmed to maintain a gripping pace. Horror thrillers thrive on suspense, and while Apaayavide Eccharike delivers in parts, it doesn’t sustain the tension throughout.

• Vikas Uttaiah as Suri delivers a strong performance, proving he has the potential to lead a film.
• Raghav Kodachadri and Mithun Thirthahalli, playing Suri’s friends, bring humor to the narrative, with Mithun’s portrayal of Gaabri standing out as the most entertaining.
• Harini Srikanth as Devika adds intrigue, especially with her role in the movie’s big twist.
• Radha Bhagavati, playing the heroine, does justice to her character, while Dev (Rudra) and Navya (Kalavati) play their roles convincingly.
• Ashwin Haasan, in a negative-shaded role as Sripad, is impressive. His character builds suspense but could have been utilized better for a stronger impact.

Sunanda Gowtham’s background score elevates the horror elements, successfully creating eerie tension where needed. The cinematography captures the haunting beauty of Kavaledurga Fort and the surrounding forest, adding to the film’s atmosphere. However, the songs don’t leave a lasting impression, and the screenplay could have been tighter.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its underlying message: Do not exploit nature’s wealth for personal gain. The story hints at supernatural justice being served to those who attempt to steal from the forest, making it more than just a horror-comedy.

Watch the Trailer Here

If you enjoy suspense thrillers with a blend of humor and horror, this movie is worth a watch. The second half makes up for the slow start, and the film successfully keeps the audience engaged with unexpected twists and eerie moments. The horror elements, though not overly intense, are effective enough to keep viewers hooked. For fans of horror-thrillers, this movie poses no risk—it’s a safe and entertaining watch!

• Director: Abhijit Thirthahalli
• Cast: Vikas Uttaiah, Raghav Kodachadri, Mithun Thirthahalli, Ashwin Haasan, Radha Bhagavati, Harini Srikanth, Dev (Rudra), Navya (Kalavati)
• Genre: Horror, Thriller, Comedy
• Rating:  *** (3/5)

If you love horror movies, check out our review of Chhoo Mantar